| |
Shirin
Neshat
LESSON PLAN
Experiencing Displacement and Belonging
OBJECTIVES
1. To recognize the sense of displacement and belonging in the
art of Shirin Neshat.
2. To think about how you fit into a group.
3. To better understand the fluid nature of identity.
MATERIALS
Writing materials
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
Shirin Neshat is an Iranian born filmmaker and photographer
who moved to the United States at the age of 17. While living
in the United States, Iran went through what is known as the Islamic
Revolution, and consequently she didn’t travel there for nine
years. When she finally did return, the country had been transformed
by the
dramatic cultural, social, and political changes resulting from
the Revolution.
Her conflicting feelings of belonging to both the Iranian and
American cultures, and her feeling of displacement compelled
her to make art.
Shirin
Neshat, Untitled (Fervor series) 2000
Shirin
Neshat, Untitled (Turbulent series) 1998
One major issue that Neshat explores in her films is the sense
of belonging, contrasted with the sense of displacement. In her
films and photography she addresses the feeling of being caught
between two
worlds: the modern culture in which she primarily lives, and
the traditional culture of the country where she was born.
CLASSROOM DISCUSSION
What does it feel like to belong to two groups that are different
from each other? Groups such as friends and family, an art class
and a sports team, or a “cool” crowd and a “smart” crowd
all bring out different parts of your personality. Make a list
of the different groups you belong to. Think about the following:
In which group do you have more friends?
Which group is more traditional?
In which group do you feel more alone?
Which group allows you the freedom to “be yourself?”
Which groups sometimes blend together? Which groups never mix?
ACTIVITY
Write a letter of introduction to two different groups. If you
don’t know one or both groups, you might start the first paragraph
with “I am writing to ask to become a member of your group,” or
something similar. Include a sentence or two about how you came
to know the group or which group members you are acquainted with.
In the
second paragraph, describe your understanding of the group and
its functions. In the third paragraph, describe what you would
for the
group and how you could help it. You may want to add a short
closing paragraph.
CLOSING DISCUSSION
Compare the two letters. How you have presented yourself
differently to each group? What is similar about the letters?
back to top
back to resource kit
index
|
|
